The Safeguarding g Role of School Governors

Transcription

1 Child Protection The Safeguarding g Role of School Governors Linda O Hara, Lorraine O Neill and Elaine Craig Designated Officers for Child Protection Child Protection Support Service for Schools (NEELB) 1

2 Objectives - Strand 2 Training Target Audience Chair of Governors or Governors delegated to take the lead in Child Protection Issues Be able to demonstrate a knowledge of the impact of legislation and government policy in relation to safeguarding and child protection Recognise signs and symptoms of possible abuse and understand the role of the Chair in relation to their statutory duties Be able to identify the quality assurance role of a Board of Governor in overseeing the safeguarding and welfare of all pupils enrolled in a school 2

3 Tuning-in to Child Protection Myths and Realities DVD Clip 3

4 Context in Northern Ireland Facts and Figures Approximately 481, 400 children and Young People in Northern Ireland c. 25% of population 2071 Children on the Child Protection Register( March 2008 DHSSPS) 6958 recorded offences involved victims under 18 (at March 2009, PSNI Stats ) 1084 recorded sexual offences involved victims under 18 (at March 2009, PSNI Statistics ) domestic violence call outs (Mar 08, PSNI) 90% of abused children know their abuser ( Co- operating to Safeguard 2003 ) 1/3 children do not report abuse at the time, 1/3 never will ( NSPCC 2006 ) 4

5 NI Assembly June

6 Recognising Child Abuse Emotional Physical Categories Of Abuse Neglect Sexual 6

7 Recognition of Child Abuse Personal hygiene issues Constant tiredness Neglect Failure/delay in seeking medical attention Care concerns about hunger, clothing, supervision 7

8 Recognition of Child Abuse Over-reaction to mistakes, unable to accept praise Developmental delay Emotional Abuse Fear of new situations, isolated Self destructive tendencies, Risky behaviours 8

9 Recognition of Child Abuse Implausible or no explanations for injuries - significant bruising and marking Reluctance to go home Physical Abuse Minor repeated injuries Self destructive tendencies, Risky behaviours 9

10 Recognition of Child Abuse Isolation, overly protective of siblings Promiscuity, Risky behaviours Sexual Abuse Reluctance to go home Inappropriate sexualised behaviour & language Physical injuries 10

11 The Legal Context United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1991 The Children (NI) Order 1995 Education & Libraries Order 2003 Welfare and Protection of Pupils Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups ( NI ) Order 2007 Sexual Offences [NI] Order

12 UN Convention of the Rights of the Child Article 3 Right to have his/her welfare considered paramount in all decisions taken about him/her Article 12 Right to be heard Article 19 Right to be protected from abuse and neglect 12

13 Children (NI) Order 1995 Parental responsibility Partnership Paramountcy Prevention Protection No Delay Principle 13

14 Statutory Duties Of School Governors in relation to safeguarding Welfare and Protection of Pupils - Education and Libraries (NI) Order 2003 A duty on the BOG to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children in the care of their school A duty on the BOG to ensure there is a child protection policy at their school and that it is implemented A duty on all schools to address the issue of bullying through their discipline policies A duty to consult with pupils and parents 14

15 Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007 Access NI Creation of the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) Defines 2 categories of work Regulated and Controlled Activities Creates 2 Barring Lists 15

16 DE Circulars in relation to safeguarding Circular 99/10 Guidance for schools on child protection policy and procedures Circular 03/13 Guidance for schools on the Welfare and Protection of Pupils Education and Libraries ( NI ) Order 2003 Circular 06/06 Guidance on safer recruitment practices for education authorities Circular 06/07 Guidance for schools on the employment of substitute teachers Circular 06/08 Guidance for schools s on the requirement e e for child protection training in relation to interviewing and selection panels 16

17 DE Circulars (cont d) Circular 06/09 Guidance on the vetting of paid and unpaid staff Circular 06/25 Guidance on the requirement for vetting of school governors Circular 07/01 Acceptable use of the internet and digital technologies in schools Circular 08/03 Pre-employment checking of persons to work in schools new arrangements Circular 08/10 Employment of Substitute Teachers Northern Ireland Substitute Teachers Register (substitute teachers must be booked online via NISTR) 17

18 TEA/COFFEE BREAK 18

19 School Governors Safeguarding Role The best interests of children are of primary consideration and you should ensure that the necessary safeguarding measures are in place to make all pupils feel safe and protected in your school environment The safeguarding g role must be integrated into other areas of responsibility; Pastoral Care Policies, Staff Training, Recruitment and Selection requirements 19

20 School Governors Safeguarding Responsibilities Create a safeguarding ethos Promote safeguarding as a shared responsibility of the Governors / Principal / DT / DDT Ensure there is a current Child Protection Policy that is annually reviewed in the light of an audit of compliance with statutory t t requirements and published guidance (DE and DHSSPS) Parents & pupils p receive a copy of CP policy & complaints procedures every 2 years Ensure that the prevention of bullying is specifically addressed 20

21 School Governors Safeguarding Responsibilities Ensure That you (as a governor) have undertaken the appropriate Strand 1,2,or 3 training in relation to child protection That you receive an Annual Child Protection report That recruitment, selection and vetting procedures are being adhered to That there is a confidential child protection recording and storage system in place That there is a robust Code of Conduct for all adults working within the school this must include volunteers, sport coaches, extended school personnel etc 21

22 Case Study - DVD 22

23 Role of the Chairperson of Governors Complaints and allegations Where a complaint is made against the Principal the Chair of Governors assumes responsibility for managing the complaint/allegation 23

24 Role of Chairperson Handling Complaints or allegations Establish the facts (clarification process eg: liaise with DT, written records, meeting with complainant etc) Seek advice from the ELB Designated Officer and refer to Social Services under child protection ti procedures where appropriate Seek advice from the HR Manager and consider if disciplinary procedures es apply Assess appropriateness of precautionary suspension / removal from direct contact duties 24

25 Role of School Principal To ensure a Designated and Deputy Designated teacher for Child Protection are in place and that they attend appropriate training To ensure that parents and pupils receive a copy of the school s Child Protection policy and complaints procedure every 2 years As secretary to the Governors, to ensure Child Protection is on the agenda for Board of Governor meetings at least once annually To ensure that all paid and voluntary staff are vetted To take the lead in following procedures in relation to a complaint against a member of staff To keep the governors informed of any changes in guidance, procedure or legislation 25

26 Role of the Designated Teacher Responsible for raising awareness of the child protection policy and procedures with teaching and support staff Responsible for managing the Child Protection concerns of any member of teaching and support staff including all record keeping. Collaborate with the school principal in making referrals to Social Services or PSNI Child Abuse Investigation Unit (CAIU) Responsible for liaising with the Designated Officer Responsible for notifying the Chair of Governors in Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Schools Responsible for reporting to the Board of Governors Responsible for promoting a Safeguarding Ethos within the school Taking the lead in the development of the school s Child Protection Policy 26

27 A Child Protection policy. School Safeguarding g Ethos Definitions of Abuse Signs and symptoms Confidentiality Role of DT Who is DT/DDT? Child Protection procedures Flowcharts Code Of Conduct Recording/ Reporting Process Safe Handling/ Images / Intimate care etc Ref: Anti-Bullying poli Volunteers 27

28 Role of the CPSSS Designated Officers Provide advice, guidance and support to designated teachers with all aspects of their role Operate a telephone Help Line Have responsibility for the delivery of training to all DTs / Governors / new Principals / beginning teachers / other Board Services Collaborate with Human Resources regarding Child Protection complaints against Education & Library Board employees 28

29 Role of the ETI All school inspections will have an element of pastoral care The Chairperson will be notified when an inspection is to take place Governors will meet with ETI on the first day of inspection ETI will discuss the school s systems and processes relating to child protection 29

30 Quality Assurance Governors Checklist This provides a sound basis for auditing your schools safeguarding arrangements and it can be used on an annual basis as part of the school s development plan 30

31 Resources for School Governors in relation to Safeguarding To support the guidance in Circular 99/10 the DE developed the Pastoral Care in Schools: Child Protection resources ( booklet and video ). This provides comprehensive advice on all aspects of child protection necessary for Principals and school governors to fulfil their safeguarding responsibilities The Child Protection Support Service for Schools (CPSSS) has developed a specific Handbook for all Sh School lgovernors in relation lti to their thi safeguarding role Both resources are available on the DE website 31

32 Plenary 32

33 Thank You for Attending 33